STILL AIR I - CRAFT

MORNING RICE

Nourishment • Beginning • Simplicity

 

 

INGREDIENTS

(Small batch - approx. 20 hand-rolled sticks)

Primary Materials
• Rice powder (very finely milled) - 2 tsp
• Makko powder - 2 tsp

Supporting Materials
• Clean white wood ash (very fine) - ½ tsp
• Rice husk powder (optional) - ¼ tsp

All powders must be extremely fine.
Texture matters more than scent.

 

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Stone mortar and pestle
• Fine mesh sieve
• Small ceramic or glass bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Distilled water
• Wooden board or tray
• Baking paper or unbleached cloth
• Damp cloth
• Airtight storage container

 

PREPARATION

Refining the Materials
Place rice powder and ash into the mortar.
Grind slowly and deliberately for several minutes.

Sift through a fine mesh sieve.
Return any coarse grains to the mortar and repeat.

The smoother the powder, the calmer the burn.

 

DRY BLENDING

Combine in a bowl:
• Rice powder
• Makko powder
• Rice husk powder (if using)

Blend thoroughly until the colour is pale, warm white and uniform.

 

ADDING WATER

Add distilled water drop by drop, mixing gently between each addition.

The dough should be:
• Soft
• Flexible
• Slightly cool to the touch
• Not sticky
• Not crumbly

If cracks form → too dry
If it clings to fingers → too wet

Take your time here.

 

RESTING THE DOUGH

Cover with a damp cloth.
Rest for 10-15 minutes.

This allows the makko bark to activate and bind naturally.

 

HAND-ROLLING

Pinch a grape-sized amount of dough.
Roll gently on a wooden board or between palms into thin ropes:

• 2-3 mm thick
• 8-10 cm long

Pressure should be light and even.

If surface cracks appear, lightly dampen fingertips and smooth gently.

These sticks should look simple, human, and unforced.

 

DRYING

Place sticks on baking paper or cloth in a dry, shaded space.

• No sun
• No heat
• Good airflow

Dry for 3-5 days, turning once daily.

 

CURING (Highly Recommended)

Once fully dry, store in an airtight container for 2–3 weeks.

This softens the burn and integrates the materials.

 

HOW TO BURN

• Place a small piece on a mica plate or ash bed
• Allow to smoulder, not flame
• Best used in the morning or before work

This incense is not meant to scent a room.
It is meant to settle the body.

​

CaravanSerai Gypsy

​